Phoenix Commercial DUI Defense Attorney

Phoenix Commercial DUI Defense AttorneyBeing arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) as a driver carrying a commercial driver’s license (CDL) carries specific penalties that differ from regular drivers. Commercial drivers carry a higher level of responsibility for safety and adherence to traffic laws based on the fact that they represent various companies and businesses. Unlike the 0.08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of non-commercial drivers, commercial drivers in possession of commercial driver’s licenses are considered DUI at 0.04% or higher.

 

Phoenix Commercial Truck DUI Defense Attorney

Because of their massive size, safety requirements for operators of large commercial trucks are held to a higher standard for safety. Semis and big rig trucks can be as long as 75 feet and can reach full load weights of 80,000 pounds. Hurtling down the highway at excessive speeds amidst a sea of passenger vehicles is dangerous enough, and when combined with driving under the influence of a substance that hinders an operator’s reaction time and driving impairment the results can be devastating. With the substantial size difference between commercial trucks and the average length and weight of a passenger vehicle, it is not surprising that many collisions – whether DUI related or not – often result in fatalities.

 

Arizona Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Ratios:

  • Under 21 years of age: 0.00% (Zero Tolerance)
  • 21 years of age or older: 0.08%
  • Commercial Vehicle Operator: 0.04%
  • Extreme DUI: 0.15% or higher

 

DUI Penalties for CDL and Commercial Drivers

Commercial drivers and holders of a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) are convicted of driving under the influence if their blood alcohol concentration is 0.04% or higher as opposed to the 0.08% BAC for noncommercial drivers. Penalties for commercial drivers arrested for DUI may include:

 

  • Suspension of one’s commercial driver’s license for up to one year
  • Possible suspension of non-commercial driver’s license
  • At driver’s expense, the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device that checks BAC
  • Attendance at Drug and Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Programs
  • Attendance at Victims Impact Panels
  • A Probationary Period
  • Extensive Fines
  • Extensive Court Costs
  • Extensive Community Service

 

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration – DUI Offenses

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) states that trucking industry employers may not knowingly allow, require, permit or authorize a driver who is disqualified to drive a commercial vehicle. Driving under the influence of an illegal substance while operating a commercial vehicle is a primary disqualifying offense. Regardless of whether or not a commercial driver was arrested for driving under the influence during work hours or off the clock, DUI charges may impact his employment and commercial licensure. An immediate one-year suspension of one’s commercial license is the result of driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04% or higher. Subsequent offenses carry higher penalties for both commercial and noncommercial DUI arrests.

 

Contact a Skilled Phoenix Commercial DUI Defense Attorney Today

Having a DUI conviction on your criminal and driving records will haunt you for years, perhaps even decades to come. Sound and reliable legal counsel will impact the outcome of the court proceedings as well as your DMV hearing. Seeking the assistance of a skilled Phoenix commercial DUI defense lawyer is highly advised and with a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC are here to support you with your DUI case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call today for a free initial consultation at 877-887-4541.

 

[h4a]Phoenix DUI Defense Lawyer[/h4a]

Phoenix DUI Arrest Lawyer

Phoenix DUI Arrest Lawyer

Regardless of your conviction, as a citizen you possess certain constitutional rights that it is critical you are aware of. In many situations, law enforcement personnel have been known to prey on the fact that people do not understand their rights and are subjected to preventable situations…Read More

Phoenix DUI Laws & Penalties

Phoenix DUI Laws & Penalties

Driving under the influence of an illegal substance in the state of Arizona is met with extreme consequences that range from stiff fines to a felony charge and prolonged incarceration. Depending on the logistics of a particular DUI case, incarceration may be as brief as 24 hours or years and license suspension may range from 90 days to a permanent loss…Read More

Phoenix Multiple DUI Arrests

Phoenix Multiple DUI Arrests

Being convicted of one DUI charge is detrimental enough, but when you face the reality of another arrest related to driving under the influence and already have one or more DUI offenses on your driving and criminal records, you are looking at heavy fines, prolonged prison time and a possible felony conviction. Aligning yourself with an attorney skilled in Arizona specific laws pertaining to multiple DUI arrests is essential to the protection of your record, your reputation and your peace of mind…Read More

Phoenix Felony DUI Lawyer

Phoenix Felony DUI Lawyer

Being convicted of a felony is perhaps the worst charge you can have on your criminal and driving record. A felony charge often results in prolonged imprisonment, crippling fines and excessive legal expenses. In the state of Arizona, a 4th DUI conviction or a DUI charge involving a serious injury or vehicular manslaughter will result in a felony conviction…Read More

Phoenix DUI Out of State DUI Lawyer

Phoenix DUI Out of State DUI Lawyer

Being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) while traveling or living in another state creates unique legal challenges where you may be penalized in both your home state and the state in which the DUI incident occurred. Arizona and 44 other states comply are in compliance with the International Driver’s License Compact, an interstate compact used to exchange information concerning license suspensions and traffic violations of non-residents…Read More

Phoenix DUI Drunk Driving Tests

Phoenix DUI Drunk Driving Tests

In terms of determining a driver’s level of sobriety, one or multiple sobriety tests must be administered prior to a DUI arrest. These tests, which determine the presence of drugs and alcohol in the blood-stream are either field sobriety tests or chemical tests. Field sobriety tests are administered in an effort to determine a driver’s mental awareness and physical ability to safely operate a vehicle…Read More

Phoenix DUI Offenses for Underage Drivers

Phoenix DUI Offenses for Underage Drivers

Drivers under the age of twenty one who are arrested for suspected driving under the influence (DUI) face an immediate “zero tolerance” when it comes to their blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Seeking the assistance of a skilled DUI defense lawyer is highly advised and the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC will support you in understanding the legal process and developing your case…Read More

Phoenix Felony DUI Lawyer

Phoenix Commercial DUI Defense Lawyer

Being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) as a driver carrying a commercial driver’s license (CDL) carries specific penalties that differ from regular drivers. Commercial drivers carry a higher level of responsibility for safety and adherence to traffic laws based on the fact that they represent various companies and businesses…Read More

Phoenix Commercial DUI Defense Attorney

Phoenix Court Process for a DUI

In the state of Arizona, the DUI court process begins with a DUI arrest. In most cases, law enforcement is motivated to pull over a potential DUI offender based on speeding, reckless driving, aggressive driving or erratic driving. Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Tests or Breathalyzer Tests are administered upon pulling over a potential offender…Read More

Phoenix Commercial DUI Defense Attorney

Phoenix Drug & DUI Arrests Lawyer

In the state of Arizona, the DUI court process begins with a DUI arrest. In most cases, law enforcement is motivated to pull over a potential DUI offender based on speeding, reckless driving, aggressive driving or erratic driving. Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Tests or Breathalyzer Tests are administered upon pulling over a potential offender…Read More